[HARLEY, Melinda.] The History of Melinda Harley, Yorkshire. London: G. Robinson, 1779. First edition, 12mo (158 x 96mm.) Title. (Damp-stain in gutter and throughout, text-block loosening, lacking two leaves of text at rear.) Contemporary calf (worn). Note: scarce. The preface ends with the initials ‘M.E.’ so it’s possible the anonymous writer of this epistolatory novel was ‘Melinda Hartley’. On publication it received dismissive reviews. While the plot is thin the two ladies discuss various topics of the time, including the colonies, the foolishness of duelling, the rationality of women, and deciding that ‘marriage is not necessary for happiness’.